A new investigation reveals how billionaire Larry Ellison and his son David are building a pro-Israel media empire. From backing the Israeli miniseries “Red Alert” to pushing major deals in Hollywood and TikTok, the Ellisons are shaping U.S. narratives on Gaza and October 7. Critics warn that their expanding control over TV, film, news, and social media could give Israel unprecedented influence over what millions of Americans see and believe.
WASHINGTON — A new investigation in +972 magazine reveals a growing media project led by billionaire Larry Ellison and his son David. The report says the family seeks to reshape the American narrative to serve Israel.
The investigation opens with the story of “Red Alert,” an Israeli miniseries about the events of October 7, 2023. Its producers openly described it as a “propaganda” project. They said the goal was to “change the narrative” about the resistance operation. Global distributors refused to buy the show due to the political climate and the expanding boycott of Israeli cultural institutions.
Only one major figure stepped forward: David Ellison. After viewing the series, he said, “It would be my honor to be a partner in this.” Alden says this support was not an isolated case. He argues it reflects a larger trend as the Ellison family builds what he calls a “pro-Israel information empire.”
Alden traces the Ellisons’ rapid expansion. The family took control of Paramount and CBS, then purchased The Free Press. David Ellison appointed its CEO, Bari Weiss, a zionist and vocal supporter of Israel, as head of CBS News.
Alden reports that Paramount Skydance took a unique stance among Hollywood studios by condemning the boycott of Israeli cinema. At the same time, the company prepared “blacklists” of artists labeled “antisemitic.” David Ellison claims that his decisions are “not political.” But the report links his choices to the broader vision of his father, one of Silicon Valley’s biggest supporters of Israel and a close ally of US President Donald Trump.
Alden lives in Los Angeles and has written for Jewish Currents, The Nation, and The New York Times.
The investigation says the Ellisons now seek additional assets. These include parts of Warner Bros. Discovery and a role in the US purchase of TikTok. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces international arrest warrants over war crimes in Gaza, called the potential TikTok deal “the most important purchase happening now.” He said it could influence what 170 million Americans see online.
Israeli officials and pro-Israel advocacy groups fear TikTok continues to make young Americans watch real videos of Israeli crimes in Gaza . Lara Friedman, head of the Washington-based Foundation for Middle East Peace, warned that TikTok became a platform where “massacres in Gaza” reach millions of young users.
Former Obama speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz said at a JFNA conference, “TikTok is smashing our young people’s brains all day with videos of carnage in Gaza.” She said young Jews reject her pro-Israel arguments because “they are seeing the massacre in their minds.”
At an event hosted by the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called the platform’s influence on how youth understand October 7 “a serious problem.”
The report links these concerns to strong pressure from US zionist institutions. In a leaked recording, the head of the Anti-Defamation League said, “We have a TikTok problem. We have a Gen Z problem. We must act fast.”
Alden details how the new media empire is already affecting newsroom decisions. After Weiss took control of CBS News, the network fired several journalists who covered Gaza critically. Veteran correspondent Deborah Patta was among them. Internal sources said “the ax fell on those whose coverage appeared anti-Israel.” Meanwhile, a Rome-based correspondent who openly voiced pro-Israel views kept his job and asked to cover Gaza.
Analysts warn that the Ellisons’ growing power could reshape American media. Journalist Taylor Lorenz compared the trend to countries “where there is no free press.” She said any further expansion would give the family unprecedented influence over information consumed by Americans.
Pro-Israel voices celebrate this shift. At the premiere of “Red Alert,” activist Eve Barlow said, “The Zionists entered Hollywood tonight.”
The investigation suggests the Ellison strategy aims to make that promise a reality. — QNN
